Transport guidelines - PACKER'S GUIDELINES Mm/2

Animals obviously in advanced stages of pregnancy or animals that have recently given birth should not be shipped. Infant animals incapable of feeding themselves should not be shipped unless prior arrangements have been made to feed the infant during transport if the travel will take longer than the infant's normal feeding period.

Sedation should be administered only in exceptional circumstances and should be carried out under the supervision of an authorized qualified veterinarian. Details of any sedation should accompany the animal.

1.6

Animals of different species should not be transported in the same container.

1.7

Unless animals of the same species are known to be compatible with one another, they should not be transported in the same container.

1.8

Animals should be disturbed as little as possible.

1.9

Animals that have become sick or that have been injured during transport should receive veterinary treatment as soon as possible and, if necessary, should be humanely destroyed. A record of any such occurrences should be kept.

1.10

Sick or dead animals should be removed from containers, when feasible, and a record kept.

1.11

Any rest periods prescribed by a veterinarian should be complied with.

1.12

The frequency and type of feeding and watering natural to the animals should be adhered to during transport, and should be clearly specified on the labelling.

1.13

An adequate supply of suitable bedding material should be provided.

1.14

To avoid cross-infection, and for health and hygiene reasons, human contact with animals should be avoided, and they should not be housed near foodstuffs or in places to which unauthorized persons have access.

1.15

No animal should be transported with radioactive material or other substances dangerous to health.

1.16

Containers should be secured to the aircraft, rail wagon, lorry or ship to avoid any possible movement, and should at all times be maintained in a horizontal position.

2.

Advance arrangements for transport

2.1

There should be an appropriate period for holding and conditioning of animals prior to shipment, during which they should be introduced to their containers progressively.

2.2

All possible precautions should be taken in advance to ensure that animals are not subjected to extremes of temperature or to draughts. This would necessitate planning their movement with due regard to the climatic conditions natural to them, and to the conditions prevailing at their final destination, and also those that will be encountered during transport. Particular attention should be paid to the facilities at any intermediate stops at airports, etc.

2.3

When containers are to be re-used they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use.

2.4

The estimated time of arrival should be notified in advance to the consignee, and also the route of the consignment. Adequate arrangements for its prompt collection at the final destination, and for any necessary movement at transit points, should be made in advance.

2.5

Should any delay in collection be anticipated, then advance arrangements should be made for the housing, feeding and watering of the animals.

2.6

Cash on delivery facilities should not be used.

3.

Container

3.1

The container should be constructed of material of adequate strength and there should be an adequate framework to ensure that it is strong enough to house the animals and to withstand the handling involved during transport. It would be preferable that only bolts and nuts are used and that metal reinforcing is used on the corners.

3.2

There should be no sharp edges or projections on the inside surfaces of the container.

3.3

If any wood preservative or paint is used on the container, care should be taken to ensure that this is not toxic or a skin irritant.

3.4

The dimensions of the container for large species should be such that the animal is unable to turn around or to somersault.

3.5

The floor of the container should be of slatted construction so designed and constructed that the spacing between the slats is such that there is no danger of the animal's feet becoming trapped.

3.6

There should be removable, liquid-proof trays under the slatted floor with a sufficient quantity of absorbent material unless material is placed in the container.

3.7

The top of the rear half of the side walls may be slatted, the spacing being such that there is no danger of the animal injuring itself due to tusks or horns becoming trapped.

3.8

The roof may be of slatted construction and so designed that there is no danger of the animal injuring itself due to tusks or horns becoming trapped, nor any danger of the crate being crushed inwards when lifted.

3.9

For some species, the inside of the walls and roof should be adequately padded with a non-abrasive material, care being taken to ensure that this does not impede ventilation.

3.10

There should, where practicable, be a sliding door of adequate size at each end of the container, constructed of material of similar strength to the rest of the container and provided with a secure fastening device which is not accessible to the animals.

3.11

For feeding and watering, adequate access by means of removable slats on the front of the container should be provided.

3.12

Gripper bars and/or facilities for the attachment of crane slings and runners for handling by fork-lift should be provided.

3.13

Spacer bars of adequate size should be fitted to all walls, roof and base of the container, to ensure that there is a free flow of air to the animals in the event of stacking or close stowing of cargo.

4.

Labelling and documentation

Durable, waterproof labels should be provided as follows:

4.1

"LIVE ANIMALS – DO NOT TIP" on all sides and top.

4.2

"THIS WAY UP", with arrows indicating the top, on all sides.

4.3

Consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number. Box numbers should not be used as the sole address.

4.4

Detailed list of contents: number of animals; scientific name and common names used in the exporting and importing countries.

4.5

Temperature range required.

4.6

Required diet, and feeding and watering instructions.

4.7

Details of any sedation given.

4.8

Date on which animals were crated for transport.

4.9

Official stamp of carrier showing date of his receipt of consignment.

Durable, waterproof means of containing the following documents and other essential information should be firmly attached to the container:

4.10

Duplicate of consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number.

4.11

Duplicate list of contents as in 4.4.

4.12

Copies of relevant export and import licences.

4.13

Copy of valid health certificate issued in accordance with the requirements of the importing country.